Why Do We Need Women's Film Festivals?

Why Do We Need Women's Film Festivals?

The Nevada Women's Film Festival is part of a growing consciousness raising movement happening in the movie world and our greater culture. We are witnessing a slow but steady awakening to the failures of the industry to properly represent women.

Think of the last movie you saw in the theater. With any luck, it may have featured one or two strong female leads (super heroes not required). But did the film pass the Bechdel Test? This test asks whether a work of fiction:

1) Has at least two female characters, with names, 2) who talk to each other, 3) about something other than a man.

Incredibly, very few films can pass this simple test! Most of us have grown up in a society where this imbalance is the historical norm, and we are desensitized to it. Here are ten examples that may surprise you.

There is an underrepresentation of women behind the scenes in movies as well. In fact, according to the DGA’s 2015 Diversity Report, only 6% of films released in the U.S over the last two years were directed by women, and only 3% of top grossing films were directed by women.

Also, according to the annual Celluloid Ceiling Study, while the percentage of women who direct increased by two percentage points from 2014 to 2015, the 2015 figure is sadly no better than that achieved in 1998.

This type of discrimination is deep-seated and systemic. Yet despite the challenges, women continue to make great films.

We believe that change begins by awareness. At NWFFest we come together for a lively weekend each March, Women’s History Month, to celebrate and support the fair representation of women in film. Prepare to be entertained, engaged and enlightened by some of the most talented and creative women in the world.

Please join the conversation. We hope to see you there.

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Here is a preview of some amazing women in our community doing great things!